Patriots’ Dane Fletcher Clears Waivers, Placed On Injured Reserve

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BOSTON (CBS) — A trying 24-hour window came to an end for Patriots linebacker Dane Fletcher, but for the third-year player, it was at least a happy ending.

Fletcher was placed on injured reserve by the Patriots on Tuesday, after the team placed him on waivers the day before. Fletcher suffered a serious knee injury in last week’s preseason game against the Saints, but teams could have claimed him off waivers, much like the Patriots did with injured Giants tight end Jake Ballard earlier this offseason.

“Whewww glad to still be a Pat!” Fletcher tweeted Tuesday evening.

Fletcher, 25, was due to play a major role in the Patriots’ defense this season, but he reportedly suffered a torn ACL last week. The injury will end his season, and his placement on injured reserve means he won’t take up a roster spot as Bill Belichick trims the number of players in the coming weeks.

In his 23 career games, all with the Patriots, Fletcher has recorded 46 total tackles, two sacks, one interception, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble.